Inspiring stories and thought-provoking reflections from the founder of Girls on the Run International.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Hey...This Will Only Take a Minute!

Alright Girls on the Run fans. I was in Cincinnati the last couple of days and had a fabulous time meeting with some of our "networkers" and contributors there as well as the fabulous folks at Proctor and Gamble with the "Secret Deodorant" Brand. (Secret is one of our Girls on the Run corporate sponsors!)

I got home last night after numerous delays...around midnight! Being a bit wired after some roller coaster flight turbulence, I tried to wind down by reading through a few emails.

That's where "Kate" comes in. Kate had just finished reading my book, "Girls Lit From Within: A Guide to Living Life Outside the Girl Box."

One chapter in that book (it's for girls ages 8 and up!) encourages the girls to make a gratitude list.

Well, Kate really wanted to share her list with me and so I'd like to share it with you! (These are her words...)

My Wonderful Family;My Friends in the Different Cities Where I Have Lived;My Education;Girls on the Run;My Sports Ability;Cousins;Grandmother;My House;My Books;My Thoughtful Brain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So...Kate got me thinking. When I started Girls on the Run, thirteen very brave girls showed up! And now...NOW, we are in more than 150 cities across North America with over 60,000 girls currently participating! Those of you, who know me personally, know how important it is (and how invigorating it is) for me to spend time with our girls. As the founder of this organization, I must keep my finger on the pulse of the girls we serve...plus there is, at least in my opinion, no better way to stay REAL, GENUINE and AUTHENTIC, than by hanging out with kids. They teach us so much about being ourselves!

However, due to the extensive amount of travel this wonderful growing program now requires of me, I don't get the one-on-one experience with our girls as much as I'd like.

Therefore, thanks to Kate, I'm launching another blog specifically designed for girls...girls both in and out of Girls on the Run. The topics will be relevant to their lives and each post will explore a variety of "tactics," girls can use to stay "out of the Girl Box."

So...if you feel like check it out...at www.mollybarkerontherun.blogspot.com. And please, if you know any girls (whether they are in or out of Girls on the Run), let them know I'd like to "meet" them...over there on the fun, wacky and girl-side!!!

Thanks to all of you for your belief in this program and choosing to live the authentic, genuine and real lifestyle we encourage!

2 comments:

Molly, this is my first time coaching with GOTR, and I can't rave enough about your program! I am with the Lebanon, Ohio 3rd and 4th grade group, and we are having the best time (both the coaches and the girls!). I have even made my own blog for the team; it's private to protect the girls, but if you'd like to check out, I'll send you an invite. Just send me your email.

Kudos to you for making GOTR such an outstanding program! God only knows how many lives you've touched!

Gratitude....Molly, I remember the day you told me the story of your first 13 GOTR girls. I remember being one of your first "Council Directors" back in the day. I have watched GOTR grow and grow and grow before my eyes and in the media all the way from CA over the last 11 years.I just watched your new video on your website and am reminded of how much gratitude I have for what you have given to so many girls by sharing your vision...Girls on the Run. xo Heidi

About Me

I am the founder of Girls on the Run International. Girls on the Run is a non-profit international program that inspires girls to Honor Their Bodies, Celebrate their Voices, Embrace their Gifts and Activate Their Power. Our program is currently in over 150 cities across North America. If you'd like to learn more, please check us out at www.girlsontherun.org.

Other Stuff

Upcoming Speaking engagements and appearances: (For any information regarding these engagements or to consider me as a speaker (or facilitator) at your next event please contact Susan Gray at sgray@girlsontherun.org.)

September 3rd, CPCC, Charlotte, NC

September 8th, Marvin Ridge Middle School, 6:30 p.m.

September 24th, TEDx Speaking Engagement, Charlotte, NC.

September 25th, "Lit From Within: An Evening Girls on the Run," Charlotte, NC

September 29th, Keynote at the YMCA Leadership Retreat, Cleveland County, NC.